Pensioner calls for tighter controls on dangerous dogs after pet was mauled by bull terrier

A PENSIONER has told of her anguish after her pet dog was mauled to death by a Staffordshire bull terrier.

Jacqueline Stewart, 73, was injured as she tried to save her beloved Papillon from the clutches of the Staffie.

Yesterday, she said she and husband Jim, 79, were “absolutely devastated” by the death of 13-year-old Holly, who they treated as “part of the family”.

The couple have called for tighter regulations on the breeding of Staffordshire bull terriers.
Jacqueline fought to prise Holly away from the larger dog – which was not on a lead – after it attacked outside her home in Arbroath.

Holly suffered a broken femur and pelvis and had to be put down.
Retired social care officer Jacqueline didn’t realise her own hand was badly cut until she reported the incident to police.

Yesterday, Jacqueline said: “I’m so upset about what happened that I’m finding it difficult to speak. We don’t have any children and Holly and our three-year-old Papillon Tilly are our family.

“Holly was 13 but so full of life, just like a puppy. She went wherever I went – I’m so upset. It all happened so quickly but she was just savaged. She didn’t stand a chance.

“I fought hard to get the dog off her but there was so much blood. The other dog practically had Holly’s whole body in its mouth. I couldn’t do a thing – she was such a small thing.”

She reported the incident to police. Jacqueline added: “I realised I had a sore hand but it wasn’t until I was at the police station that the officers noticed blood was spurting out of it.

“I assumed the blood had come from Holly and I was so upset I wasn’t thinking straight.
“Then we got a call from the vet to ask us to come down. They told us there was nothing they could do. We were devastated.

“It’s had such an effect on us all, especially Tilly. I think she is depressed. She keeps sitting at the door waiting for Holly.

“I’m a dog lover but irresponsible people who can’t look after dogs – especially big dogs – shouldn’t be allowed to own them or breed them.

“Something needs to be done to stop attacks like this. What if next time this dog goes for a child?”
Police has appealed for witnesses to the attack.